site.btaPM Says There Is No Evidence of Coordinated or Speculative Price Increases ahead of Euro Adoption

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said on Friday that there was no evidence of coordinated or speculative price increases in connection with the introduction of the euro. He was speaking here during a public discussion on an interim report by the Commission for Consumer Protection (CCP) on the retail market for agricultural and fast-moving foods. The discussion took place at Sofia Tech Park.

The Prime Minister underscored the forum's importance for addressing key issues related to the food market.

He pointed out that the CCP is operating with a new line-up, which he considers to be one of the key accomplishments of the current National Assembly's work.

Zhelyazkov congratulated the CCP on its sector analysis and welcomed the dialogue that has begun with all stakeholders, including state institutions, trade unions, employers, retail chains, producers, processors and consumers. In his opinion, the report provides a clear and well-argued basis for future policies and measures in traditional industries and agriculture. He noted that data on the pricing policy of retail chains for June, July and August confirmed the absence of unjustified price increases as a result of preliminary control, the state's commitment and the retail chains' partnership approach. The prime minister stressed that the CCP's recommendations, including possible regulatory and administrative changes to support Bulgarian industries and consumers, should be carefully considered.

He added that control remains an essential part of regulation and a guarantee for consumer protection but clarified that the aim is not to impose coercive policies, but rather to promote better market functioning through dialogue and self-regulation.

"This format marks the start of an open conversation aimed at dispelling myths and addressing issues in a transparent manner" Zhelyazkov concluded.